Royals pitcher Kris Medlen shut down for two weeks with shoulder strain

On the day he removed one healthy pitcher from his rotation, Royals manager Ned Yost announced an injury will prevent another member from returning anytime in the near future.

Kris Medlen, who was pulled from his rehab start Tuesday with Class AAA Omaha, will be shut down for at least two weeks after an MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain in his right shoulder.

"He's sore right now," Yost said. "He'll be a no-throw for a couple of weeks (to) get over that inflammation."

Medlen was initially placed on the disabled list on May 12 with right rotator cuff inflammation. He was embarking on his fifth rehab start when the injury occurred.

Medlen is 1-3 with a 7.77 ERA across six starts for the Royals this season.

Ventura on track for Friday

Right-hander Yordano Ventura will take his scheduled turn in the rotation Friday, despite leaving his last start with a sprained right ankle.

Ventura threw a side session Wednesday and reported no setbacks. He suffered the injury during the Royals' 7-2 loss in Philadelphia on Sunday, lasting only 2 2/3 innings.

"He had a really good side (session) yesterday," Yost said. Royals pitching coach "Dave (Eiland) did some (pitcher's fielding practice) stuff with him — fielding his position, covering first base. He was all good."

Ventura allowed four runs Sunday. He is 6-6 with a 5.26 ERA this season.

This story was originally published July 7, 2016 at 6:02 PM with the headline "Royals pitcher Kris Medlen shut down for two weeks with shoulder strain."